Yours Politically - Sanjesh Narain

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit New Zealand in July, with the trip understood to have been confirmed. However, the exact dates are reportedly being withheld until closer to the visit for security reasons.   ACT MP Parmjeet Parmar has welcomed the visit, arguing that stronger engagement with India could bring economic, trade, investment, education, and people-to-people benefits for New Zealand.   Separately, ACT has promoted changes to immigration settings aimed at supporting rural employers and regional communities through its rural visa policy proposals.  

Justice minister-Paul Goldsmith says if people want to see real change in the country they have to stick with the incumbent. He joins Radio Tarana host Sanjesh Narain to talk about Law and Order and  retail crime. Hon. Goldsmith says there is still more work to be done and he is happy to continue on his portfolio or take over any other portfolio given by the Prime Minister.    

Labour MP for Palmerston North -Tangi Utikere Deputy Shadow Leader of the HouseSpokesperson for Local Government, Transport, State Owned Enterprises, Racing After long wait Labour has announced a policy to cap public transport fares at $20 a week in main centres and $10 everywhere else if elected. The cap, which would be introduced on 1 July 2027, is $20 in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and $10 everywhere else. To talk on this and other matters we are joined by Labour's- Tangi Utikere. 

Labour MP Kieran McAnulty joins Radio Tarana host Sanjesh Narain for an interview. McAnulty says the Government has failed to deliver on National’s promise to turn the economy around and ease financial pressures on households. He argues that many New Zealanders continue to struggle with the cost of living and says Labour will keep advocating for greater support for families and individuals facing economic hardship.

ACT MP Dr Parmjeet Parmar says government has delivered a responsible budget. Speaking to Radio Tarana host-Sanjesh Narain, Dr Parmar says government is managing the books in a responsible way resulting in surplus to be recoded earlier than forecast.

Barbara Edmonds described the Government’s Budget as “disappointing” during an interview with Radio Tarana host Sanjesh Narain. Edmonds said the Budget had “failed New Zealanders” and criticised its overall direction and priorities. When asked to summarise the Budget in one word, she responded: “disappointing.”

NZ First party leader- Winston Peters has been publicly distancing Christopher Luxon and the government from some key economic and immigration decisions as the 2026 election campaign starts to take shape. On the Budget, Peters has argued the government made the “wrong choices” and suggested a budget surplus should already have been achieved rather than pushed further out. Debate around the latest Budget has exposed tensions inside the coalition, especially between NZ First and National over spending priorities and superannuation policy.   Speaking to Radio Tarana host Sanjesh Narain -Peters has also strongly opposed any increase to the superannuation age or cuts to pension entitlements. He recently described protecting superannuation as a “top line” issue for NZ First, not just a negotiable coalition point.   On immigration, Peters says NZ First is “not anti-immigration” but wants what he calls “focused” or “targeted” immigration — bringing in workers for genuine shortages rather than relying on large-scale migration to drive economic growth. NZ First has repeatedly criticised what it calls “loose” or “mass” immigration settings.   This positioning appears aimed at separating NZ First from National and ACT before the election, while still remaining part of the coalition government. Political commentators in New Zealand have noted that coalition parties are increasingly differentiating themselves publicly as campaigning intensifies.  

Labour leader Chris Hipkins says he is willing to work with parties that share common ground with Labour. Speaking to Radio Tarana host Sanjesh Narain, Hipkins said Labour has performed well in consecutive polls because the government has failed to deliver on its promises. The Labour leader also said New Zealand needs a capital gains tax. He argued that while the government may have secured an uninterrupted fuel supply, concerns remain that it has failed to help households and businesses struggling with high fuel costs. Although Hipkins criticised David Seymour and ACT’s proposed “immigration policy", he said he supports the idea of a citizenship test.

ACT MP-Dr Parmjeet Parmar has defended her party’s immigration policy. Speaking to Radio Tarana host Sanjesh Narain, Dr Parmar said there are certain requirements migrants must fulfil if they want to call New Zealand home. She said migrants seeking New Zealand citizenship should first understand New Zealand’s values. Meanwhile, Dr Parmar also revealed that she continues to receive threats and abusive messages.

Carmel Sepuloni, deputy leader of New Zealand Labour Party, has pushed back on proposals for a c citizenship test, saying she doesn’t see the need for such a change. In an interview with Radio Tarana host Sanjesh Narain, Sepuloni questioned the reasoning behind introducing a formal test for prospective citizens. Her comments reflect a broader debate in New Zealand about immigration policy and how citizenship requirements should evolve.

Minister Louise Upston joins Radio Tarana's Sanjesh Narain in this latest podcast. She talks about recent attacks by Iran on UAE and what further impact it will have on global fuel supply and what does it mean for NZ’s fuel security? Is the current fuel crisis affecting tourism industry and what is your take on ACT’s immigration policy? How would you describe Shane Jones “Butter Chicken” Tsunami comments? Are these comments racist ? She also talks about benefits of INDIA-NZ FTA.  

Labour leader Chris Hipkins doesn't think government's energy plan will reduce power bills. While speaking to Tarana he has reiterated that his party still supports the proposal to recognise palestine as a State.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins doesn't think government's energy plan will reduce power bills. While speaking to Tarana he has reiterated that his party still supports the proposal to recognise palestine as a State.

Government has announced series of Laws to tackle crime in the country but are they working? I put this question to the DPM and ACT leader David Seymour

PM Christopher Luxon speaks to Radio Tarana Topics- Vanuatu Earthquake Half yearly economic and fiscal update Changes to Immigration rules

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joins Radio Tarana for his regular interview, he talks about work from home policy, police commissioners resignation and Parent category visa.